The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved North Carolina’s request for a hot food waiver in all 100 counties, allowing Food and Nutrition Services (food stamps) recipients to purchase hot food prepared for immediate consumption from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer retailers.

Under normal Food and Nutrition Services rules, hot food prepared for immediate consumption is not eligible for purchase at authorized retailers.

With the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, many citizens in North Carolina have been displaced from their homes. To accommodate all Food and Nutrition Services recipients impacted by the hurricane, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Division of Social Services have requested and received approval for the hot food waiver across the state.

EBT retailers are currently updating systems to authorize hot food purchases. All North Carolina EBT retailers will be able to authorize hot food purchases by tomorrow, Oct. 15.

The Division of Social Services provides guidance and technical assistance to agencies that provide direct services to address issues of poverty, family violence and exploitation. The Division promotes self-reliance and self-sufficiency and works to prevent abuse, neglect, dependency and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, children and their families.